In the Trenches of Breastfeeding: Mastitis

I have been nursing my son for 10 months and it has been a great 10 months. The only downside for me is that I have had recurrent plugged ducts. Fortunately, Judah has been able to relieve me of them through nursing and have never lasted more than a day. But now I have encountered a major bummer when it comes to nursing – Mastitis.

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast caused by either obstruction, infection or allergy. Local symptoms are the same as for a plugged duct, but the pain/heat/swelling is usually more intense. There may be red streaks extending outward from the affected area. Typical mastitis symptoms include a fever of 101.3°F (38.5°C) or greater, chills, flu-like aching, malaise and systemic illness. (cited from kellymom)

For me, I went to bed Tuesday night noticing a small knot on the underside of my right breast and throughout the night it became more and more sensitive. By Wednesday morning it was red, swollen and hot to the touch. I researched natural remedies and tried those out Wednesday but they that if things don’t clear up within 12-24 hours to go to the doctor because antibiotics may be needed. Well by Wednesday night I didn’t sleep at all. I had had a pounding headache since Tuesday night and Wednesday night brought fever, chills and nausea. I woke every 2 hours to nurse Judah so I didn’t get any sleep. I went in Thursday to the doctor and she examined me and confirmed that it was Mastitis and that I did need an antibiotic. By the time I got the antibiotic and got home I had fever, chills and nausea again – I could hardly stand. I took the antibiotic and tylenol and nursed Judah to sleep for his nap and then I crashed out for a few hours. I woke up sweating knowing my fever had broken and for the first time in 2 days I didn’t have a headache. Thursday night I developed a hard mass on my breast which is what my plugged ducts are like. I nursed Judah throughout the night again but he couldn’t seem to unplug it until this morning! The key to unplugging a duct is to place him in a position to nurse where his chin faces the hard mass.

Other important measures to take with Mastitis are rest, lots of water, frequent nursing, cold/warm compresses, hot showers, cabbage leaves placed over the inflamed area, echinacea, vitamin c.